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Convergence is the coordinated movement and focus of our two eyes inward on close objects, including phones, tablets, computers, and books. It is one of many Vital Visual Skills learned during our early years, as we begin to make sense of the world and how to use our eyes to take it all in.

Convergence Insufficiency is a common problem with the development of these skills. When convergence is insufficient, it means that the eyes do not come together closely enough when looking at a near object (dashed lines in above image), so the eyes are essentially looking "past" the target focal point (orange lines).

When we are not able to converge our eyes easily and accurately, problems may develop, such as:

Eye strain

Headaches

Double vision

Difficulty reading and concentrating

Avoidance of near work

Poor sports performance

Dizziness or motion sickness

Treatment

Eye coordination problems like convergence insufficiency generally cannot be improved with eye glasses or surgery. A program of vision therapy may be needed to improve eye coordination abilities, reduce symptoms, and alleviate discomfort when doing close work.